Positively Primal

About the book

What if life could be simpler and slower, purer and more primal?

What if we had more time to gaze out of the window or walk barefoot in the grass, to cook with fresh ingredients, to spend time with friends and family, to create and invent and explore… what if we made real, human company a priority over digital distraction and virtual reality?

Our world of constant connection can leave us feeling disconnected and dissatisfied; the more time we spend looking at our screens, the less our real lives make sense. Positively Primal is a rallying cry for a more human-friendly, earth-friendly existence, drawing on everything from modern science to ancient philosophy, contemporary culture to common sense.

This book will take you on a journey to reconnect with the natural world around you and with the food you eat, to rediscover your body’s fitness and strength, to improve relationships with yourself and others, and to find fulfilment in work. Positively Primal is a greener, cleaner pathway to a healthier lifestyle for you, body and soul.

About the author

Emma Woolf is the great-niece of Virginia Woolf. After studying English at Oxford University she worked in publishing, before becoming a full-time writer. She is a columnist for The Times and also writes for The Independent, The Mail on Sunday, Harper's Bazaar, Red, Grazia and Psychologies. She was a co-presenter on Channel 4's Supersize vs Superskinny; other media appearances include Newsnight, Woman's Hour and Radio 4's Four Thought.

Emma's first book, An Apple a Day: A Memoir of Love and Recovery from Anorexia was published in 2012 and shortlisted for the Beat Award for Recovery Inspiration. She was also nominated for Mind's Journalist of the Year. She lives in London.

Review of The Ministry of Thin in The Observer: "Woolf sets her stall out with brio. [...] Woolf's skill in is in adding intellectual and emotional ballast to the debates that interest her. In its best moments, this book emerges as a hypnotist's finger-click signalling women to wake up."

Reviews

‘I really enjoyed this book – if you’re looking at slowing things down a little, then it’s def worth a read!’

Happy Wise Owl Blog

‘Positively Primal is the perfect antidote to our 24–7 lifestyle. Through research and discussion and full of helpful tips, this book provides us with direction on how to take a step back from the pressures of modern life. As always, Emma Woolf’s words provide understanding, comfort and support; I know I will return to them time and time again… a well-balanced and beautifully written companion to life.’

‘I am never happier than when outside, searching for wildlife or on expeditions. The simplicity to life, the fresh air, the elements and activity bless us in ways we cannot possibly quantify. I salute Positively Primal for attempting to bring this ethos to as many people as possible.’

Steve Backshall, wildlife presenter, naturalist and adventurer

‘Positively Primal is inspiring and well-researched, showing a depth of knowledge. Many things in this book are quite remarkable. There are passages which I plan to share with my clients, a very mature kind of wisdom on the part of someone who is still young… To read Emma Woolf’s contributions thus is a privilege of its own kind.’

Deanne Jade, psychologist and founder of the National Centre For Eating Disorders

‘This book will inspire you to transform the way you live, and discover a deeper sense of joy. As the book says, “…do what you can to change this world for the better and have fun along the way.”’